Little Willow Brooke

Budget Getaways Review

Little Willow Brooke is ideally appointed: within easy walking distance of Franschhoek’s hub, yet in atmosphere, miles from anywhere.

Perched above a bubbly stream that meanders through a rush of oak and willow trees (hence the name), Willow Brooke is a cute Cape-styled cottage with all the traditional elements: green tin roof, rough white-washed walls, wonky terracotta paving, rietdak ceilings, cottage furniture and paintings of country scenes.

It’s ideal for a romantic couple seeking a cosy base to the surrounding area – anything more could be a bit cramped.

The neat interior comprises a separate ensuite bedroom with queen-size bed (with a view) and a tiny kitchen that forms part of the lounge area, where you’re likely to spend your evenings in front of the fireplace with a book from the adjacent shelf - The River Running By, Island and The Nomads are just some of the titles to get you into that holiday mood. The ensuite bathroom has a shower only.

Sensibly, there's no TV, but there is a CD player - so don't forget to pack your Neil Diamond Greatest Treffers.

Outside, you have the choice of wallowing in your own private plunge pool with deck or catching some rays on your sun deck. If that sounds like too much to handle, then ambling down to the stream and dozing under the trees on a patch of open lawn is another tempting option. You'll also find the newly added boma down here, perfect for those lazy summer evenings. Decisions, decisions…